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Description

Autism-Friendly Early Learning Centres, Schools, Homes and Communities: Strategies for dealing with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

Dr. Antony Thomas, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA.

There are a number of children identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) worldwide. While there is no cure for ASD, several research studies have produced substantial evidence that early identification and intensive intervention can support a child to function successfully in society.

A lack of ‘autism awareness’ among personnel in learning environments and significant others in the community can be a major barrier to child with autism achieving. Poor understanding of the impact of specific challenges and skill deficits of autism can be a major stumbling block to providing an inclusive education for children with ASD.

Participants will be encouraged to discuss/brainstorm strategies to provide ‘autism friendly atmosphere in our learning environments, homes and in our local communities.

The course is aimed to give participants:

Identify some of the basic characteristics of autism

An overview of some of the specific behavioral and social skill challenges

Develop an understanding of the utility of visual supports and schedules for individuals with ASD in learning environments and at home.

Antony Thomas, PhD, BCBA-D

Please enroll so you don’t miss out – contact:

Ann Luxton, Business Support Officer, MOE Thames

ann.luxton@education.govt.nz or on 07 867 9520

About the presenter:

Antony Thomas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a registered Clinical Psychologist in New Zealand and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral in the United States of America. He is a licensed Behavioral Analyst in the state of Hawaii.

Dr Thomas has extensive clinical experience working with clients/students and their families in New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, India and the USA. He has worked as an Autism Consultant and Lead ABA Therapist in the USA for 7 years and as a Psychologist for the New Zealand Ministry of Education, Special Education for 11 years.He has been involved in community support and empowerment activities and he is the founder of “Aspergers Connections Hamilton” & “Aspergers Connections Tauranga” (Community/Parent support groups) in New Zealand.

Dr Thomas has presented research papers and clinical case studies in national and international conferences in New Zealand, Sweden, USA, India, and Malaysia and has received academic fellowships/ scholarships from Australia, Canada, Denmark and USA. (Presenter-Phone; 07 850 8944)